Eat a flat-belly dinner
No one wants to be squeezing into their wedding dress or suit on the morning of their wedding, so try to resist a blow-out meal the night before. Steer clear from stodgy takeaways or belly-busting pasta dishes. Try to limit your alcohol intake too – celebratory beer and champagne may seem like a good idea at the time, but beware the bloat. Instead, opt for
tummy-trimming dark leafy greens, brown rice and a lovely piece of grilled chicken or fish, washed down with plenty of fluid-retention-busting water.
Walk down memory lane
Cheesy, maybe. But flicking through your old photos is a calming and sentimental thing to do the night before your wedding. Take a look at your parents’ or grandparents’ wedding photos or pictures of you growing up. Take a loving flick through pictures of you and your husband or wife-to-be over the years – you’ll soon realise how far you’ve come and it will get you excited for the next chapter in your life together.
Read through your vows or wedding speech
You may have gone over it time and time again over the past few weeks, or you may just be starting to write it now, but your vows or
wedding speech has to be spot-on for the big day so give it the once-over one last time. Have a cheeky trial run in front of the mirror, or get your chief bridesmaid or best man to film you on their phone. This should hopefully banish any last-minute nerves and gives you the chance to make any tweaks.
Pamper yourself
If you ever needed an excuse to indulge in some
pampering and me-time then the eve of your wedding is it. Whip out those face packs, soak those tootsies and buff your talons – tonight’s the night to treat yourself. For an indulgent homemade face mask, mash together banana, honey and a squeeze of lemon and smother over your face and neck – then just wash off after ten minutes. Or as a handy tip for super-soft hands (perfect for avoiding that infamous Kate Middleton ‘stuck ring’ moment!), just mix together sugar, olive oil and water and a drop of perfume, rub onto your hands in circular motions, then rinse.
Make a list
The night before you legally declare that you wish to spend the rest of your life with someone is definitely a time for forward thinking, if ever there was one. Your future together spans out ahead of you like the aisle you will be walking up the following day (eek!). This is a good opportunity to write a list of the things you wish to do, see, experience and achieve together. Holidays, children, pets and starting your own business together all deserve a mention; be as realistic or wishful as you like. This list will come in handy on your future wedding anniversaries when you can look back at it together and see what you can tick off, or what you wish to add.
Sleep!
Last but not least, sleep! Every bride and groom should look their best on their big day and that means no puffy eyes, pallid complexion or dark circles. Understandably it can be a mega challenge fighting those butterflies in your tummy and attempting slumber the night before such a huge day, and even Prince William himself admitted to a restless night before his wedding day. Try a long bath or shower using products containing essential oils such as lavender or bergamot. Why not even try some meditation? Aim to completely clear your mind of bouquets, veils and bridesmaids for just ten minutes while you focus on your breathing. Perhaps sip on some chamomile tea, but avoid sleeping pills or alcohol as ways to drift off – the last thing you want is to have a bad reaction or be drowsy the next day.
